Pet Travel Tips
Pet Travel to Vietnam: Adventures in Pet Relocation (And How to Avoid Losing Your Mind)
One of the things I treasure most about slow travel is the people you meet, each adding something unique to your journey. Since settling in Da Nang, Vietnam, I’ve found a rhythm here a balance of work, warm beach days, and the chance to slow down. Our apartment has become a comfortable home base, with a café where I often sit, writing, observing, and savouring the local coconut coffee. It was here, in this familiar corner, that I noticed a new couple settling in, accompanied by two of the fluffiest, most lovable Pomeranians. Watching them, I felt a mixture of happiness and a pang of sadness just thinking about pet travel.
As you may know, before setting off on this adventure, I faced the difficult decision of rehoming our beloved Loki. Oh believe me we considered the logistics of pet travel. I’ve written about it before (Read Here), but that decision is one I feel in my heart every single day. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him, that I don’t miss him. Even now, I still feel the weight of his absence. Loki was my constant companion, there through all the ups and downs, his unconditional love always by my side.
Eventually, I struck up a conversation with the couple, curious about their journey and what led them to bring their two little companions, Betty and Mashi, all the way to Vietnam from the UK. Their stories, insights, and lessons learned along the way opened my eyes to the reality of travelling with pets something that could be invaluable to others considering a similar path. Betty and Mashi’s journey isn’t just a tale of two pets finding a new home: it’s a roadmap for anyone thinking about bringing their own furry family along on an adventure. Here are the essential tips learnt from their experience.
If You’re Moving Abroad with Pets, Prepare for a Journey That’s Part Puzzle, Part Comedy of Errors
So, you’ve decided to relocate to Vietnam and wouldn’t dream of leaving your furry friend behind. First off, bravo! For most of us, our pets are family. They’re with us through thick and thin, always wagging, purring, or staring up at us with those Did I just hear you say walkies? eyes. But get ready, because travelling with a pet is not as simple as hopping on a plane. It’s an epic journey think Indiana Jones with more paperwork and fewer snakes.
Whether you’re thinking about taking your pet pooch, kitty, or even a miniature Pomeranian halfway across the world, here’s the nitty-gritty of getting them to Vietnam. From finding the right airline to navigating apartment hunting with pets in mind, this guide will help you make the journey (almost) as smooth as that fluffy fur.
When it comes to traveling with dogs, think of it like packing for twins furry, four-legged twins with very specific needs! First, they had pet travel bags designed to fit under airplane seats (because “carry-on only” applies to pups too), complete with mesh panels so they could keep an eye on us the whole journey. Then there were the essentials: collapsible bowls for on-the-go hydration, a stack of wipes for “just in case” moments, cozy beds to keep them calm, and, of course, a small mountain of treats to bribe them through every leg of the journey.
It’s amazing how two tiny dogs can require more luggage than the humans escorting them. By the time we were ready to go, it looked like we were moving with a set of newborns including the diapers, but still double the chaos
Step 1: Decode Vietnam’s Pet Travel Rules – Spoiler Alert, It’s Easier Than You Think
Let’s start with the good news. Unlike countries that require endless rounds of shots and a year-long quarantine, Vietnam has relatively relaxed pet entry requirements. All your pet needs is:
- Rabies vaccination: Your pet should have this at least 30 days before departure. You’ll also need a health certificate within 48 hours of flying (don’t wait until the last minute).
- A health certificate: Make sure this certificate is stamped and signed no later than two days before the flight.
And that’s it No quarantine, no prolonged separation from your pet. Just a quick check-up on arrival, and you’re good to go. While the rules may seem simple, missing one of these requirements could turn you into the star of your reality show titled, “How to Find a Vet at the Airport at 2 a.m.”
Step 2: Choose Your Airline Wisely – Not All Airlines Love Pets as Much as You Do
Ah, the airline hunt. Not every carrier will welcome your four-legged companion on board. For example, Vietnamese Airlines, while perfectly fine with pets coming from most places, bizarrely doesn’t allow pets to fly in the cabin from the UK. Yes, really.
After a deep dive into options, Turkish Airlines came to the rescue. They’re one of the few airlines allowing pets in the cabin (under 8 kg, bag included). Just be prepared for some weight restrictions and specific bag sizes because apparently, they want your pet to feel like a carry-on rather than a family member.
Pro Tip: Book your tickets well in advance and call to reserve your pet’s spot early. There’s a two-pet limit per cabin, and it’s a first-come, first-served game. (Be the early bird that gets the worm or rather, the dog-friendly seat.
Step 3: Find Pet-Friendly Accommodation Without Losing Your Marbles
Once you’re in Vietnam, the next mission is finding a pet-friendly home. Don’t expect to waltz into a pet welcome parade here. Many landlords say “no pets allowed”—or at least, that’s what the listing says. The trick? Dig around, and use YouTube and social media to find places where other expats have succeeded with pets. We found a “no pets” listing that miraculously had a husky upstairs.
If you’re hoping for a yard, good luck! Villas with outdoor space are rare and typically on the outskirts. Most pet-owning expats settle for a pet-friendly apartment with plenty of balcony space.
Insider Tip: When apartment hunting, use online groups for tips on pet-friendly landlords. And bring extra treats for the cleaners Vietnamese apartments can be, well, “interesting” to clean if there’s fur involved.
Step 4: Master the Daily Routine – Keep Your Paws Cool and Happy in Tropical Heat
Life with pets in Vietnam means rethinking your routines. The heat and humidity can be tough on pets, so early morning and late evening beach trips become your go-to. Your pup’s playtime is scheduled to avoid the mid-day sunburn. And you’ll be joining the locals for those pre-sunrise beach strolls (think 5:30 a.m.). Yes, there will be coffee afterwards.
And if you’re wondering about pet food stock up. Dog food options are surprisingly limited here, so finding high-quality kibble might require a treasure hunt of its own.
Local Insight: Morning beach strolls around 5:30 a.m. and evening outings after 8 p.m. are key. Your pet won’t just survive; they’ll thrive.
Step 5: Vet and Groomer Shopping – It’s a Thing
Finding the right vet and groomer can feel like a scavenger hunt. We found a local organization called Paws for Compassion, which supports strays and can point you toward the best pet services in town. And yes, there are pet-friendly beaches and parks, but you’ll need to keep your little ones on a leash no one wants an international incident over a “friendly” nibble.
Pet Owner Pro-Tip: Check in with Paws for Compassion for vet recommendations, grooming tips, and even pet-sitting options for those inevitable visa runs.
Final Thoughts on Pet Travel: Are You Really Ready to Bring Your Pet to Vietnam?
Vietnam might be one of the easiest places in Southeast Asia to relocate with pets, but it’s still no small feat. You’ll face hurdles, laughs, and a few moments where you might wonder, “Was this all worth it? Spoiler: Yes, it is.
Here’s Your Action Plan:
- Get your pet’s rabies vaccine and health certificate ready.
- Choose a pet-friendly airline (Turkish Airlines is a good bet!).
- Scout out pet-friendly apartments with balconies and pet policies.
- Adjust to the daily rhythm of early morning and late evening pet outings.
- Research local vets and services through Paws for Compassion.
For this couple, leaving Betty and Mashi behind was never an option. They told me it felt like setting up a line of dominoes every piece needed to be perfectly in place, and if just one fell, they’d have to start all over again. Yet, they were unwavering; without Betty and Mashi, there was no journey. So, if you’re ready to take on the challenge of pet travel, and bringing your fur baby along, know that Vietnam is waiting, with beachy mornings, a warm culture, and plenty of friendly (if sometimes barky) neighbourhood dogs. Yes, the process might feel daunting, but when you finally see your pet running along the sand at sunrise, every hurdle will fade away.
And for me, seeing these little dogs each day stirs a bittersweet ache, bringing back memories of my time with Loki. It’s a reminder of the love and loyalty he gave so freely, and though the sadness of rehoming him still lingers, it’s also part of what led me to embrace this journey. If you’re considering a move with your furry friend, know that it’s possible, and the rewards of sharing new adventures together make every step worthwhile.
Love MyLifestyle #Sheridan-Leigh
Read my personal journal stories here.
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Below are some recent travels on an interactive map.
Alternatively, view the full interactive travel journey at MyLifestyle Travel Map
Click on a trip line to see images, posts, accommodation and travel information about the destinations.
See her recent travels: Click on the image. https://mylifestyle.travelmap.net
